If there was ever a child as sweet, strong, and bold as our little Bright, we are yet to meet them.Bright Duut is one of three siblings who, at just three years old, faced the loss of his father. He moved to live with his grandmother in the remote village of Nalerigu in Ghana’s North East Region. A happy child, Bright loved climbing trees to gather mangoes and pawpaw, and his favorite pastime was playing football at the school park near his home.
At age seven, Bright’s grandmother noticed his stomach was unusually swollen.Concerned, she sought help from a local traditional healer. For two long years, traditional treatments were attempted, but Bright’s condition only worsened. Realizing the urgency, the family took him to the Nalerigu Medical Centre, where he was referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further investigation.
It was at the Tamale Teaching Hospital that Bright received the devastating diagnosis: bilateral Wilms tumour, a rare cancer affecting both kidneys. In September 2019, Bright was transferred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra for immediate and specialized care.
A New Chapter Begins in Accra
For Bright, a nine-year-old who had never left Nalerigu, arriving in Accra was overwhelming. He was accompanied by his aunt, Blessing, who recalled feeling utterly lost. “I was in shock and didn’t know what to think or do. I had never been to Accra, had no family there, and nowhere to stay. I wanted to go back to Nalerigu and take our chances there,” she said. This was when Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana stepped in. With the generous support of Delaphone Limited, a technology company, the full cost of Bright’s treatment was covered. Bright and his aunt were also accommodated at the Sunshine Hostel, providing them with a safe and supportive environment throughout the treatment journey.
The Road to Recovery
Bright’s treatment was intense and grueling. He underwent 13 cycles of chemotherapy to shrink the tumours, followed by surgery to remove them. Post-surgery, he endured six more cycles of chemotherapy and ten rounds of radiation therapy.
Throughout the 17 months Bright and his aunt stayed in Accra for treatment, their unwavering commitment to every appointment proved pivotal. This journey demonstrated the critical role of family support in overcoming cancer.
A Bright Future
Today, four years later, Bright is thriving. He is cancer-free. At 15 years old, he has completed Junior High School and is preparing to start Senior High School. Back in Nalerigu, he enjoys a normal life, surrounded by his family and friends. Bright’s story is one of strength, resilience, and unwavering hope. We will always remember his infectious smile, even during the most challenging moments. Bright’s bravery has left an indelible mark on everyone who met him.
Gratitude and Hope
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Duke Ofori and Delaphone Limited for their unwavering support in giving Bright a second chance at life. When it was time for Bright to return home, LCCG surprised him with a gift for bravery. He experienced the joy of his first airplane ride from Accra to Tamale—a dream come true that he still talks about today. To all our partners and donors, thank you for standing by our little heroes during their toughest battles. Because of your generosity, children like Bright can live cancer-free.
Together, we give hope and save lives.
